You can book a viewing by popping down into our newly refurbished office where one of our friendly team members will be there to discuss the options available and arrange a viewing at a time of convince for you.
We also have the ability to book viewings and discuss options with customers through the ever-growing platforms of social media. We can be contacted via email,
on our website or you can participate in a live chat with one of team members who will be able to assist you further.
If contacting us via email, please ensure your query is clear and concise as that will allow our teams members to assist with your query in an efficient time frame as we will have the key initial information that we require.
All booking enquires are to be sent to: plazapropertyuk@gmail.com.
Please ensure to include your contact details, your budget, the number of bedrooms you require and any previous references if available. One of our team members will be in contact following your initial enquiry to offer our Plaza Property Management Services.
Book an appointment
If you are looking to discuss options or simply would just like someone to guide you in the right direction, one of our team members will be more than happy to assist you with any query you may have. You can give us a call to arrange a face to face appointment ( COVID -19 Procedures are in place) or can simply pop down into our branch and we will accommodate you.
You can find us at:
Plaza Property
89 Tudor Street
Riverside
Cardiff
CF11 6AD
Our aim is to make the contract signing and legal aspects of your new tenancy as straight forward as possible. Once you have reserved your dream property we’ll make it easy and give you a list of everything you will need to bring with you to your contract signing appointment.
Financial Guarantor Form
For peace of mind for you and the landlord we will ask you to provide details of a suitable financial guarantor. Your guarantor will be the person who agrees to pay your rent if you encounter difficulties with payment. All we ask is that they are a UK based homeowner, over the age of 21 and in full time employment (or able to provide suitable proof of income). Your agreed guarantor will need to complete the appropriate form which you must then bring with you to your contract signing appointment.
References
Some contracts will be subject to the provision of suitable references which we will apply for via a Credit Referencing Agent. There may be occasions where by we are unable to obtain suitable references but we will do our best to offer you honest advice to assist you with your options.
Payments
When you wish to secure your property, we will take a ‘Holding Deposit’ which will be equivalent to no more than 1 week’s rent of your chosen property. We have introduced a ‘no cash’ policy to save you the hassle of carrying around large amount of your hard earned money. Payments can be made by cheque, bankers draft or credit/debit card. (** If your contract signing appointment is less than 14 days before the day you move in payments can only be accepted in cleared funds.
Identification
Remember to bring two forms of ID with you so we can confirm that you are who you say you are! Not sure what to bring? Passports, driving licenses, bank statements and student ID cards are usually the best options.
Sealing the Deal
The details of the contract you will be signing will be confirmed during the booking process. This will include specific terms relating to the rent and bond amounts and the length of your tenancy. You will be signing an ‘Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement’ which once signed on the dotted line forms a legally binding contract between you and the landlord. We will make sure you have plenty of time to read the contracts before signing and will be on hand to answer any questions you might have.
If you would like to have a read through the contract before coming in to sign you can print off a standard version using one of the links below:
The Joint Tenancy explained
One of the most frequent questions we get asked is ‘ What is a joint tenancy?’ So, in short…….. Joint tenancies are contracts agreed with two or more tenants. Each tenant signing onto the contract is jointly responsible for meeting the terms of the tenancy in full including paying the rent. Under a joint tenancy all the tenants have equal rights and are equally liable to cover any defaults in rent payment.
Extending your stay
We welcome all good tenants who wish to extend their stay with us. In line with the marketing time frames of the student lettings market we need to know as soon as possible if you intend to extend/resign for your property for another year. We will be in touch around November/December time and all we ask is that you let us know your intentions to ensure that we can make the necessary arrangements for you.
Financial×
Paying your rent
During your contract signing appointment you will be required to pay your first months rent and the bond deposit. At contract signing. If we are managing your property then it is our job to collect the rent on the landlord’s behalf and payments will be collected by direct debit. You will be given a direct debit form for completion during your contract signing. Should we not be managing your property you will be given the contact information for your Landlord who will arrange a suitable way for you to pay then the rent each month.
Managed Houses
The agreed monthly rent for your new home will be confirmed during the booking process and documented in your contract. Your rent is due on the 1st of every month. For convenience we will collect your rent by direct debit to avoid you having to remember to make payment each month. All you need to do is make sure that there are sufficient funds in your designated bank account ready for the 27th of each month which is when the direct debit will be applied for. Funds will be collected from one account per household for the full amount as stipulated on the contract. Depending on your circumstances an the landlords requirements you may be required to pay in advance i.e quarterly and this will be stipulated in your contact.
‘Let Only’ Houses
Each landlord has different preferences on how they chose to collect the rent. We will make sure you know during your contract signing appointment the payment arrangements specific to your tenancy. Depending on the time of year that the contract is signed and how soon after that you will be moving in will depend on what budgeting you will need to make.
Financial Issues
If you are experiencing difficulties with payment please contact us, we are here to help. We’re not miracle workers and can’t bend the rules of the contract but we can offer a proactive approach and help make you aware of your options. Don’t make us chase you…….. it is your responsibility to manage your money and make sure your rent is paid on time.
Deposit×
What is a bond deposit?
A bond deposit is paid against the property to protect the landlord against any damages caused during your tenancy. It is paid during the contract signing appointment and is normally equal to 1 months rent plus £50 per person, but may vary depending on the landlord
Where is the bond deposit kept?
Managed properties
If the property is managed by Plaza Property the bond deposit is held as a stake holder in a secure client account until the end of your tenancy. All deposits collected and held by us are registered with our chosen government approved deposit protection scheme. You will be provided with a certificate confirming your registration along with your unique ID code.
‘Let Only’ properties
If the property is not managed by Plaza Property then the monies are collected by us on the landlord behalf and then transferred to be held by them. Your landlord must register your deposit with an approved government approved deposit protection scheme and provide you with full details where your money will be kept
How do I get my bond back and when?
Your deposit will be returned at the end of your tenancy once you have moved out and the exit inspection has been completed. To make sure that we can return of your deposits quickly and efficiently we ask that you follow the following steps:
Look after your property and follow our advice during the moving out process. We’ve worked hard to make sure our properties look good and to provide the fixtures and fittings you need to enjoy your home and we trust that you’ll want to keep them that way.
Rent Arrears
Contact your utility suppliers to let them know that you have left the property so that they can close your accounts. They will issue you with your final bills which you will need to arrange to pay. Once you’ve done this bring us the proof for the Gas, water, and electricity accounts along with your university certificates (where applicable) to confirm your council tax exemption or proof of council tax payments.
New address & Contact Details
If any members of your household are renting the property again but you are leaving then in order to be able to return your deposit we will need written confirmation signed by all remaining members of your groups confirming that you do not owe any money for outstanding bills and that they are happy with the condition that you have left the house and your room.
Review
We will notify you in writing within 20 working days from the end of your tenancy of any proposed deductions to be made from your bond deposits. You will then have 7 days to get back to us.
We will take on board your comments, review the case and deductions will be negotiated where applicable. We will keep you informed and update you on our decision.
We try hard to make sure our decisions are fair and represent you and the landlord to ensure the best outcome for everyone. In the event that we agree to disagree the disputed amount of the deposit and full details of the case can be forwarded for independent adjudication.
We will return the undisputed amount of the bond to you once you have followed the steps above and once all invoices for any agreed works have been received from the relevant contractors. All maintenance works performed by us will incur a handling fee plus VAT.
The disputed amount is reviewed independently and will be returned to the relevant party (i.e the tenants or landlord) by the deposit protection scheme once their decision has been finalized.
Moving In×
Collecting your Keys
We will wait for you to let us know the moving date and time that you would like to move in. (N.B if your contract stipulated half rent payments during the summer period your keys will be available to you after your first full rent installment.) A time slot will be made available and you will be invited to our offices to come and collect your keys.
The Inventory
The inventory records the condition of your new home at the point of you moving in. We prepare it for you ready for your move in and you’ll be given a copy to check and sign. We do our best to make sure that all of our inventories are 100% accurate but if you feel there are areas that do need to be tweaked you will have 7 days to let us know and submit your changes. It is important that our tenants are happy with the inventory given.
Utiltiies
To make things easy we will take the meter readings for you and note them in your inventory. The rest is simple. Contact your chosen energy suppliers, the water company and the local council (council tax). Set up your new accounts with the meter readings we have recorded for you and then set up your payment plans.
Insurance
Landlords will have an insurance policy in place to cover the building and its fixtures and fittings. This cover does not protect your worldly possessions or any accidental damage caused on the property. Plaza Property can provide information on Tenants Liability Insurance or you can visit the Homelet website – for a no obligation quote or contact their Help Line on 08000 358258.
Moving Out×
Tenancy Period Ending
You will need to confirm your departure date and time with us so that we can schedule in our visit to complete the exit inspection with you.
During this visit we’ll go through your inventory, check on the condition of the property and collect any keys that have not already been returned. Its important to remember that we can only complete the inspection once all members of your group have moved out and all personal belongings have been removed.
By conducting check out inspections we can agree on any damages that need attending to and cleaning required before you leave and ensure that our properties are in good condition for all our new customers.
You will then be notified in writing as confirmation the decision made and proposed deductions from your deposit. If you can’t meet us on your check out date a member of our team will check your apartment and you will be notified in writing as above.
We believe in honesty and respect and you can trust us to be fair with our charges.
We would prefer however to give you your full bond back so follow our handy hints to help us with this:
Once you have moved out of the property we will not be able to allow you further access. If we do have to attend to let you on we have to apply a call out fee of £30.00 plus VAT for each visit. You may find the Royal Mail redirection facility useful to forward your mail to your new address, see www.royalmail.co.uk for further details.
Cleaning is one of the main issues picked up on during the exit inspections. Make sure you do it before you leave and be careful to include areas which are normally missed including inside kitchen cupboards, the fridge, under beds, skirting boards and shower screens.
Don’t use blue tack!! The oils in blue tack leave stains on the walls which can only be removed by repainting which you will end up being charged for.
Note your final meter reading to close your accounts with the relevant utility providers.
Once you’ve moved out the only loose end left to tie up is the return of your bond deposit.
Maintenance×
Sorry under online maintenance.
Useful Contacts×
We have collated useful contact numbers that our customers may require throughout their tenancy agreement & have provided them below for your convience.